Autoradiography method using a slide rack

Abstract

A method of processing specimens including securing the specimens to a plurality of slide members and providing a rack member having separators defining a plurality of slide receiving slots. Introducing the slides into the slots and immersing the slides while in the rack member into a bath of photographic emulsion, withdrawing the rack member from the bath and drying the emulsion, exposing the emulsion-covered slides while in the rack and developing the exposed slides. The autoradiography apparatus provides a rack member for holding a multiplicity of specimen-bearing slides with the rack member having a base portion, an upper portion and a connecting portion. The base portion has a plurality of upwardly projecting spaced first separator members defining a series of first slide-receiving slots and the upper portion has a plurality of spaced second separating members defining a series of second slide-receiving slots generally aligned with the first receiving slots. In one embodiment the first separator members project generally upwardly from the base portion and the second separator members project generally laterally inwardly from a peripheral wall of the upper portion.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method of processing specimens comprising securing said specimens to a plurality of slide members,   providing rack means having separators defining a plurality of slide-receiving slots,   introducing said slides into said slots,   immersing said slides while in said rack in a bath of photographic emulsion,   removing said rack from said bath,   exposing said emulsion-covered slides to radiation while said slides are in said rack,   developing said exposed slides, and   removing said developed slides from said rack, whereby said specimen-bearing slides will be coated with emulsion, exposed and developed without the need for individual handling of said slides after initial introduction of said slides into said rack.   
     
     
       2. The method of processing specimens of claim 1 including retaining said slides in relative noncontacting relationship with respect to each other while in said rack. 
     
     
       3. The method of processing specimens of claim 2 including after removing said rack from said emulsion bath and prior to exposing said slides, drying said emulsion on said slides. 
     
     
       4. The method of processing specimens of claim 3 including after drying said emulsion introducing said rack into a substantially light-tight container. 
     
     
       5. The method of processing specimens of claim 4 including after introducing said rack into said substantially light-tight container, introducing said container into a refrigerated environment and effecting said exposing of said emulsion-covered slides within said refrigerated environment. 
     
     
       6. The method of processing specimens of claim 5 including after exposing said slides, removing said rack from said substantially light-free container, and effecting said developing of said slides within said rack. 
     
     
       7. The method of processing specimens of claim 6 including staining said slides prior to removing said slides from said rack.